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1. What is Stormwater Source Control?

Stormwater source control is an approach to finding potential pollution sources and stopping them from mixing with rainwater and entering a storm drain (the grates you see in the street or parking lot into which water flows). Depending on your site location within Redmond, runoff from your property will infiltrate (seep into groundwater), flow to the City’s stormwater drainage system, or travel directly to a nearby creek, river, wetland, or lake. Redmond Stormwater Source Control staff work with businesses and property owners to identify potential pollution sources before reaching the stormwater drainage system or surface waters.  Stormwater Source Control staff share information on stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) to help reduce and remove these potential pollution sources and help enforce city pollution prevention codes.

2. What are Source Control Best Management Practices (also called BMPs)?

BMPs are water pollution controls (devices and actions) that reduce or prevent pollution. Some stormwater BMPs make sense to implement at every location:

Spill Kit

Be prepared for spills by preparing a spill kit and spill plan. Here is a Spill Plan Template for your use.

Dumpsters

Always close dumpster lids. Swap out dumpster/trash compactors if they have holes and leak.

Hazardous Materials

Store hazardous materials (oil, gas, etc.) inside your building, or provide cover and containment. Never store near a stormwater drain.

Only Rain in Drains

Never wash or allow pollutants like soap, mop, water, or oil into storm drains.

Other BMPs are specific to the types of activities that occur at your site. The Department of Ecology provides information on business activity-specific BMPs. Visit the Source Control BMP Library for more information. 

3. What are some common stormwater pollution sources?

Some common stormwater pollution sources can include:

• Improper outdoor storage of paint, chemical products, erodible materials, garbage and waste liquids like used cooking or motor oil.
• Outdoor activities that produce wastewater, including vehicle or equipment washing.
• Contractors hired to come clean, make repairs, or perform construction activities can generate waste or polluted wastewater.

4. Which businesses are part of the Stormwater Source Control Program?

Redmond has identified approximately 550 commercial, institutional, and industrial properties that conduct activities that may (or do) generate pollutants that could come in contact with rainwater and impact groundwater or surface waters (creeks, rivers, wetlands, or lakes).  This inventory includes public and privately owned properties.  

5. When can I expect the City to conduct a Stormwater Source Control inspection?

The Source Control Program will be fully operational by January 1, 2023, in order to meet a federal permit requirement. The City will reach out to you to conduct a stormwater source control inspection at your site. If you would like to discuss stormwater source control BMPs that are appropriate for your site before that time, please contact the Program Administrator listed on this site: https://www.redmond.gov/1748/Stormwater-Source-Control-SSC-Program

6. What happens during a source control inspection?

During a source control visit, the City of Redmond inspector will walk the exterior of your business or property (with you), review your spill plan and spill kit, and observe how your business stores materials or conducts outdoor activities. The inspector may ask to see the interior of your building (e.g., to confirm that there is no way for materials inside can come in contact with rainwater) so please be prepared to tour the interior of your building as well. The inspector will summarize any findings in an inspection report (which you will receive).

7. How long does a source control inspection take?

Typically, the stormwater source control inspection will take one hour. Please plan to be available for the whole visit.

8. How can I prepare for a source control inspection?

• At all times, keep your site clean and remove any possible pollution sources that could come in contact with rainwater.  Store all hazardous materials indoors or provide cover and containment.  Close dumpster lids.
• Review and update your spill plan.  Make sure your spill kit is fully stocked.
• Identify and implement source control BMPs that make sense for your location.
  • Visit the Department of Ecology 2019SWMMWW - Volume IV (wa.gov) for more information information on business activity-specific BMPs.